29th Annual RESNA Conference Proceedings



Do PDAs Enhance the Memory Skills of Students with Cognitive Disabilities?

Yvonne Gillette, Ph.D.
Roberta DePompei, Ph.D.
Debra Faithful, B.A.
Kelly Stingel, B.A.
The University of Akron
School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

 

ABSTRACT

The project studied the on-time behavior of 35 students diagnosed with intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) or brain injury under three conditions, baseline (a simple list of times and tasks), paper calendar (appointment book), and personal data assistants (PDAs). Students participated for two, four-week periods, receiving one a.m. reminder "don't forget your appointments today" during period one and no reminders during period two. Students performance was enhanced by the PDA when PDAs were compared to baseline (p < .024) and when PDAs were compared to paper calendars (p< .002). Students performed 50% better in period one (single daily prompt) across all conditions.



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